BrandRPM.svg)
In recent years, there's been a big increase in the number of people who value sustainability. They prefer environmentally-friendly products and look for ways to lower their carbon footprint. Many companies ship their products in packaging that is sustainable and elegant, especially wood and leather, to please their customers and make them feel better about their purchases.
Approximately 24.6 billion packages are estimated to be shipped throughout the US in 2026. The vast majority of the packaging ends up in a landfill. Plastic packaging, even those made of recyclable materials, is very slow to biodegrade, usually taking hundreds of years. Therefore, businesses are limiting their use of plastic packaging and using alternate means, including cardboard boxes. Cardboard packaging isn't always eco-friendly either as it needs more energy and water to produce than plastic and trucks emit more fuel when carrying bulky cardboard packages, increasing their carbon footprint. Companies continue to look into alternate sustainable packaging materials, which leads to wood and leather.
Wood and leather packaging not only work for shipping purposes, but customers can use those packages to store the items indefinitely. The sturdy materials typically don't degrade over time or endure the wear and tear of cardboard boxes. Wooden boxes remain a good choice to store valuable or fragile items, including wine bottles, glassware, fragrances, and expensive tools. Leather cases or pouches can store jewelry or small electronic devices or equipment.
Many customers just enjoy the look and feel of wood and leather. Customers appreciate the rustic charm of wood and the craftsmanship used to build and design wooden packaging. When a person touches leather packaging, it tends to invoke a feeling of class and even luxury. Some businesses who produce limited-edition memorabilia items will often use leather packaging to enhance its quality.
The fashion industry uses leather packaging and might add an additional slip for its high-end clothes and accessories. Leather goods retailers often use leather packaging to compliment their products, such as wallets, belts, and gloves. Home decor items (ie. candles, bedsheets) might be shipped in leather cases or boxes.
Wooden boxes are typically used to ship industrial equipment, medical supplies and large tech products because their thickness helps protect the items during transport. Many food businesses will deliver their packages in a wooden crate, including Olive & Cocoa's Savory, Salty, and Sweet Gift Basket.
If you have any questions or want more tips on packaging that is sustainable and elegant, please contact one of our representatives at Brand RPM.